I always thought the Speaker's role was simply that of a chairman of the

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

Ms. Abbot is a nice person, but not a future Home Sec.

Have you had dealings with her or know of someone who has so can attest to this niceness? I know a public persona is not the best evidence to go on but she has always struck me as slightly sinister. I think it's her serpentine and menacing delivery. And the way she lost no time attacking that old Tory bird for using the profoundly offensive word 'colour'.

[WES]

I am unfamiliar with the internal workings of the EU. But if we delay I am told that we will have to participate in EU elections, yet I am also told that the EU is unelected.

Anyone know which it is?

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

I am unfamiliar with the internal workings of the EU. But if we delay I am told that we will have to participate in EU elections, yet I am also told that the EU is unelected.

Anyone know which it is?

I have no doubt Berni will explain but let him calm down a bit first; he's just had one of his episodes Something to do with the EU being a technocracy

[Ash]

I am unfamiliar with the internal workings of the EU. But if we delay I am told that we will have to participate in EU elections, yet I am also told that the EU is unelected.

Anyone know which it is?

The Commission (executive) are not elected.

[WES]

The Commission (executive) are not elected.

Are decisions taken by the executive or as a result of a vote by the elected representatives?

[Ash]

Are decisions taken by the executive or as a result of a vote by the elected representatives?

The parliament cannot propose legislation, only rubber-stamp it. Why do you think the commission are unelected? Why do you think nobody gives a stuff about European elections and almost no-one knows who their MEP is?

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

The parliament cannot propose legislation, only rubber-stamp it. Why do you think the commission are unelected? Why do you think nobody gives a stuff about European elections and almost no-one knows who their MEP is?

Basically a parliament that doesn't appear to parley a great deal

[WES]

The parliament cannot propose legislation, only rubber-stamp it. Why do you think the commission are unelected? Why do you think nobody gives a stuff about European elections and almost no-one knows who their MEP is?

Um, that sounds like our democracy. If by 'rubber-stamp' you mean 'vote on'. And UK citizens being ambivalent to European elections does not make them any less democratic.

I think I understand the situation now, many thanks.

[Ash]

Um, that sounds like our democracy. If by 'rubber-stamp' you mean 'vote on'. And UK citizens being ambivalent to European elections does not make them any less democratic.

I think I understand the situation now, many thanks.

If we don't like our executive we can vote it out. If you want to see how undemocratic the Commission is, see how they have ignored or overturned numerous referendums around Europe when people voted the 'wrong' way. France, Netherlands, Greece and Ireland have all had popular votes overturned or made to vote again until they get it right. Sound familiar?

Italy wasn't allowed to set its own Keynesian budget after the people had voted for a left-right coalition opposed to austerity policies.

[Herbert Augustus Chapman]

Are decisions taken by the executive or as a result of a vote by the elected representatives?

Far too much legislation just seems to trickle out unannounced and like most people, I didn't really care til I saw some that would impact me directly.

Specifically, some laws were being proposed that would prevent me, as a biker, doing my own servicing and maintenance on my own bike! - ostensibly a safety issue but in reality, I suspect, the devil making work for idle and overpaid bureaucrats.

Now a soft handed sissy like you that can't even change a bicycle tyre would probably agree but I will defend my right to maintain my own machinery with the same ferocity the Yanqi defends his right to arm himself to the teeth. You prise my spanners from my cold dead hand.